How To Get A Close Shave
From hot towels to the right shaver, learn the secrets to achieving a close, smooth and fuss-free shave at home.
Men have been shaving for thousands of years, with hair removal being a key part of human culture right back to the Egyptians. But despite a few millennia of experience, many of us are still doing it wrong. Shaving rash, cuts, and stray hairs – these are all common symptoms of a bad shaving experience. The good news is that with the right tools and a little expert know-how you can achieve that super-soft smooth skin that only the best close shave can deliver. And there isn’t a straight razor in sight.
Keep Things Warm
Warm and moist skin makes for a better shave, so never shave with cold water or in a cold bathroom. The application of heat encourages hairs to stand up, making them easier to cut. It also helps to open up pores to prevent ingrowing hairs. You can apply heat in a few ways, by shaving in a steamy shower or by using a hot towel applied on the face for a few minutes before shaving. If you do choose to shave in the shower, you will need a high quality wet and dry shaver. The Panasonic ES-RT47 Rechargeable Shaver is one of our favourites – with a three-blade cutting system for a fast, close shave.
Choose Gel Over Soap
Shaving gels tend to be more lubricating that soaps, keeping the skin moisturised and helping the blades of your shaver glide over your face more easily. It’s also much kinder to any type of sensitive skin. But it’s most important to choose a shaving product that suits your skin type. Choose an extra-moisturising gel for very dry skin or a sensitive one if you are prone to flare-ups.
Massage the Skin
Don’t just slap your shaving gel onto your face and go. Spend time massaging the gel into your beard carefully to create an emulsion. This causes the skin under the hair follicles to plump up, causing hairs to stand up more prominently. It also releases skin and hair softening oils, making for an easier shave.
Exfoliating
Using a skin exfoliator or scrub can greatly improve your complexion, as well as help to prevent things like ingrown hairs post-shave. We recommend exfoliating a couple of times a week, after you have cleansed your skin. Exfoliating will encourage skin cell renewal and a brighter complexion. Be sure to pay close attention to oilier areas of the face, such as the forehead, nose and chin.
Trim Longer Beards
If you have a longer beard, going straight in with a razor could be a little painful! Instead we recommend using a beard trimmer. Panasonic have several models to choose from, with something to suit everyone. For example, the ER-GB86 will trim hair length between 0.5mm to 30mm thanks to 58 different cutting lengths, and can catch more whiskers in a single stroke thanks to a power motor and wider tip blades.
Pick the Right Shaver
All the prep work in the world won’t matter if you pick the wrong razor or shaver. A poor-quality shaving tool is likely to pull on skin and leaves you more likely to suffer nicks and rashes. It is also likely to create a frustratingly uneven shave. Choose the highest quality shaver you can afford and always keep it clean and well maintained. We recommend the Panasonic ES-LV6Q 5-Blade Men's Shaver, a next-generation grooming tool that holds the title of the world’s fastest shaver. Advanced shaving sensor technology adjusts power levels in relation to beard density, which means you get a close even shave without irritating the most sensitive parts of your face. Or why not try the Panasonic ES-LL21 3-Blade Men’s Shaver? A powerful yet gentle shaver that harnesses a multi-fit arch and floating head to deliver efficient coverage alongside maximum comfort.
Refine Your Shaving Technique
You should always shave with the hair grain for the first two passes of the shaver, and this might not be the same everywhere on your face. Use your hand to explore the direction of your hair growth in different areas of your beard and become familiar with this pattern. For the final pass of the shaver, go against the grain for the ultimate close finish. Try to go slowly and carefully, especially if you are new to this technique. As you become familiar with the way your hair grows you will speed up and gain in confidence. Remember to detail any other facial hair at the end of your shave, such as sideburns or a moustache. These will make your clean shave look professional and sharp. The Panasonic ES-RW30- Men´s Shaver has a useful slide-up trimmer for those final grooming details, along with an effective two-blade cutting system for maximum coverage.
Pamper Freshly Shaved Skin
Shaving not only removes hair, it also removes the top couple of layers of skin, so it’s important to give your newly-bare complexion a little pampering after you groom. Use a moisturising cream or gel that softens but doesn’t overload the skin. And avoid alcohol-based aftershaves that can be incredibly drying to your freshly-shaved face.
Look After Your Shaving Tools
It’s important not to cut and run. A dirty shaver can quickly become dull, so make sure that you take the time after you shave to clean up. Rinse the blades thoroughly and leave it to air dry. Avoid drying blades with a towel as they can quickly become dull.
Discover more shaving tips and tricks on the Panasonic website along with the best shavers around. Explore our online store today to discover shavers that can transform your grooming experience.